Lucine E. Coombs

BANGOR - Lucine Elsie (Oswald) Coombs passed away peacefully, Feb. 8, 2013, with her son and daughter by her side. She was born March 22, 1915, in Fond du Lac, Wis, the daughter of Philip and Emma Oswald.

Lucine graduated from high school in Philadelphia, Pa., and worked at the Frankford Arsenal during World War II. It was during this time that she met and married Earl Coombs. They finally settled in Rockland, where they raised two children, Earl Jr. and Kathy. When her children were older, Lucine went back to work. She was a skilled histology technician and worked at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. A lifelong learner, she constantly strived to improve and learn new techniques. An accomplishment she took great pride in was completing her Associate Degree in 1994 at the age of 79. During their retirement Earl and Lucine traveled extensively. They especially enjoyed cruises, particularly their trip around Cape Horn. Her hobbies included reading, usually murder mysteries, and computer gaming. Lucine loved dogs and was especially devoted to her companion, Dusty.

Lucine was predeceased by her parents, Emma and Philip Oswald; and her husband of 62 years, Earl. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Stewart of Hampden; her son, Earl Coombs Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Winslow; two granddaughters, Jonna Hunter and her husband, John, of Huntington Station, N.Y., and Renee Sweeney and her husband, Michael, of Southwick, Mass.; one great-grandson, Edward Hunter; and two great-granddaughters, Kara and Amber Sweeney. Lucine's family greatly appreciates the care she was given by the staff at Winterberry Heights Assisted Living Facility during her final days.

There will be no visiting hours as her body will be donated for medical research, per her request. A committal ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel in Biddeford. Memorial donations may be made to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401.